Wildwood Kin – Wildwood Kin
Wildwood Kin
(Sony/Silvertone)
Release Date: Out Now
Exeter trio Wildwood Kin are back
with their sophomore album, the simply titled ‘Wildwood Kin’, and for those not
already enamoured with the three-piece, this should seal the deal for you.
Opening up with ‘Never Alone’, the trademark medieval ethereal melodies and three-part
harmonies are instantly deployed while your stresses and strains simultaneously
melt away but, wait, what’s this? Oh. Oh, I see. Wildwood Kin have brought
their chorus A-game with a big pounding singalong that sits somewhere between Fleetwood
Mac and Mumford & Sons. This harder, more driving edge is continued on ‘Time
Has Come’ as a foreboding throb is matched by thunderously pounding drum beat
that you can just imagine them pounding out live in front of adoring fans as
far as the eye can see.
‘Beauty in Your Brokenness’
strips things back to a muted but twitchy acoustic guitar line and just the
sweetest vocal harmonies you’re likely to hear anywhere in music industry at
the moment. The song itself is imbued with such love, care and positivity that
you genuinely feel as though you’ve been lifted up by the time it finishes up.
Within 13 seconds of ‘Wake Up Sleeper’ I’m reminded of the stunning vocals of Zoe
Johnston and her work with Above & Beyond, such is the otherworldly of the
melody beauty and sunrise energy of the structure which just builds and builds until
you find yourself taking up jogging or yoga without understanding why.
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I really believe this album puts
Wildwood Kin into a new arena as they’ve developed their sound in to a more
complex and exciting style which is incredibly moreish. Take ‘Headed for the Water’,
for example, a song that builds from a ripple of water to a full-blown wave
powered by the grace and harmoniousness of the vocals of Emillie Key, Beth Key
and Mehgann Loney. ‘Signals’ is a vast and sweeping ballad that surely takes its
inspiration and direction from the beautiful rolling countryside of the band’s
native Devon. When in conversation with friends and I’ve been trying to
describe Wildwood Kin, I’ve often used the lazy comparison of the British First
Aid Kit but I think ‘The
Crown’ fits that description with the driving melodies
and sumptuous vocals.
As we approach the end of the
album, we are treated to ‘All On Me’; a song that uses those three voices as an
instrument in a way that most bands can only dream of to create a wonderfully
driving, uplifting and life affirming song just for you. ‘Breathe’ uses a
rolling guitar line and a melodic structure that has an 80s vibe but is equally
steeped in folk tradition which is, well put it this way, I’m not sure there is
any other contemporary act out there that could pull this one off. This
stunning album closes out with ‘How I Feel’ which is something of a departure
in that it has a more American radio friendly soft-rock vibe which may be a nod
towards future ambitions. The rise of Wildwood Kin is one of those stories that
doesn’t need an end because the route mapped out takes in so much beauty and positivity
that you don’t really care about the destination. Just come along for the ride.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/wildwoodkin/
Live Dates:
6th November – The Waterfront, Norwich
7th November – O2 Institute3, Birmingham
8th November – Night & Day Café, Manchester
11th November – Omeara, London
12th November – Moles, Bath
13th November – The Glee Club, Cardiff
14th November – Thekla, Bristol
15th November – Penstowe Manor, Cornwall
17th November – Joiners, Southampton
18th November – Komedia, Brighton
21st November – The Lemongrove, Exeter
23rd November – Lost Lane, Dublin
24th November – DeBarras, Clonakilty
28th November – Leaf Tea Shop & Bar, Liverpool
29th November – Pavilion Theatre, Whitby
1st December – The Caves, Edinburgh
2nd December – Stereo, Glasgow
3rd December – Cluny, Newcastle upon Tyne
4th December – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds